Key Points
- Our choice for the best overall Polk soundbar today is the Polk Audio React Soundbar.
- Polk manufactures quality soundbars with enhanced features such as Voice Adjust mode that will change your overall audio experience, immersing you fully in your favorite music and movies.
- With the best Polk soundbars, you can upgrade the sound from your inferior TV speakers and get a powerful and immersive sound experience.
- When picking the best Polk soundbars, consider the key factors: size, connections, performance, and price.
The soundbar market is highly competitive, with many manufacturers offering affordable and high-end products at various prices. Therefore, considering the unfamiliarity of the many brands in the business today, it can be hard to pick the best soundbar for your space. Polk, however, has built an excellent reputation in the market with some quality soundbars.
Polk is one of the leading brands in the audio industry, and its soundbars are highly sought after. In fact, the company manufactures affordable and quality soundbars to upgrade your inferior TV speakers. Most of the brand’s soundbars pack enhanced features such as Voice Adjust Technology, Dolby Atmos support, and an advanced driver array. With a couple of offerings, it is essential to pick the right soundbar with your preferred features. If you want a good soundbar to pair with your TV, Polk is a great place to look. However, which among its many soundbars is best for you?
Just take a look at our roundup of the 6 best polk soundbars:
- Best Overall: Polk Audio React Soundbar
- Best Compact: Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX
- Best Entry Level: Polk Audio Signa S2
- Best Dolby Atmos Bar: Polk Audio Signa S4 Ultra-Slim
- Best For Dialogue Clarity: Polk Audio Signa S3 Ultra-Slim TV
- Best For Large Rooms: Polk Audio MagniFi Max Home Theater Soundbar
Best Overall: Polk Audio React Soundbar
- Includes Polk's Voice Adjust
- Voice control enabled with Alexa
- Add an SR2 wireless surround speakers and React wireless subwoofer for the full home theater experience (sold separately)
- Ports: HDMI ARC, USB-A, Optical audio input
The Polk Audio React Soundbar is our pick for the best overall Polk soundbar. This soundbar is incredible in every aspect, from its build to design, size, audio experience, and expandability. It can easily beat your TV’s built-in audio without a subwoofer, significantly upgrading your sound quality. Still, if you find yourself experiencing any surround sound bugs, the Polk Audio React Sound Bar allows you to build an entire surround sound system piece-by-piece using surround speakers and a subwoofer for an even more immersive output. Additionally, it has Voice Adjust technology that adjusts the voice levels from the sound bar so you hear every word loud and clear. It also has a slim, low-profile design that does not block your TV or remote’s sensor.
Retailing at about $99, it is a relatively affordable soundbar designed to compete with premium soundbars like the Sonos Beam. In addition, for a complete 5.1-channel sound system, you can add a wireless subwoofer for an extra $199 and a pair of surround speakers for $199. If you are on a budget or do not require many additions, you can opt for either the subwoofer or the surround speaker. This kind of flexibility gives the edge to Polka React. The highlight of this soundbar is its in-built Alexa, which allows users to control the bar with their voice.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| The in-built Alexa feature works well | The optional subwoofer and surround speakers are expensive |
| The soundbar provides an immersive sound experience for its price point | The soundbar only has one HDMI port |
| It has a smart design that integrates well with different decor | It does not support Dolby Atmos content |
| It is also flexible and can be connected to other speakers | |
| Features the Voice Adjust technology that enhances the sound quality |
Check out the Polk Audio React Soundbar on Amazon.
Best Compact: Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX
- Supports DTS:X and Dolby Atmos
- Includes Polk's Voice Adjust
- Full wireless support
- Ports: HDMI, AUX, USB-A, optical
The Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX wins for the best compact Polk soundbar with its trapezoid design measuring 15.6 x 7.2 x 14.6 inches. This sound system provides powerful home theater audio and shows that size does not matter. The soundbar looks more like a wireless Bluetooth speaker, but when you listen, you may think it is three times its size. Nonetheless, this bar supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Chromecast.
The Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX pairs seamlessly with an included subwoofer to provide powerful, immersive sound to complement your TV’s built-in speakers. If saving space is a priority, this is the direction to look. This soundbar also boasts an advanced five-speaker array and Polk’s SDA technology. With this, it can deliver certified Dolby Atmos and DTS:X cinematic surround sound with impactful bass and an expansive 3D soundstage. Like other Polk soundbars, the MagniFi Mini AX has Voice Adjust technology that allows you to hear every word clearly.
There’s a caveat, however. The soundbar’s acoustic design does not allow it to generate immersive surround sound. But the Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX is still worth considering for its price point.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Provides impressive sound in a compact package | It is pricey, retailing at $448 compared to larger and more powerful soundbars like the Polk Audio React |
| The subwoofer and the downward-firing driver provide powerful and strong bass | The Dolby Atmos support is lackluster |
| The soundbar has a variety of sound modes like night viewing and vocal boost |
Check out the Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX on Amazon.
Best Entry Level: Polk Audio Signa S2
- Supports HD and 4K TVs
- Includes additional wireless subwoofer
- Fas setup (2 mins)
- Full wireless and Bluetooth support
The Polk Audio Signa S2 is the best entry-level Polk soundbar today, retailing at about $169. Polk manufactures soundbars cutting across various price points, allowing customers to find something within their budget. This soundbar is perfect if you are looking for a quality soundbar that won’t drain your wallet. In addition, it comes with an included wireless subwoofer that supports Bluetooth connectivity. Further, the range is excellent, so you will not have a problem placing the sub anywhere in your room. The Voice Adjust feature is paired with Dolby Digital Decoding to maximize sound clarity and reduce voice delays.
This soundbar comes in a simple package that is easy to set up. Additionally, it is a great upgrade to your TV speakers, but because of its 2.1 speaker configuration, it does not provide an immersive audio experience that includes surround content when compared to other premium Polk soundbars. It also does not support Dolby Atmos, which is a bummer if you need a soundbar for watching movies. In addition, it is worth noting that the Polk Audio Signa S2 has limited ports, including only an optical input, a 3.5mm input for connecting smartphones and other portable devices, and an HDMI ARC port.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| This soundbar has a great build quality | The soundbar has poor surround performance |
| For its price, it provides excellent sound quality | It doesn’t come with Dolby Atmos support |
| It is affordable since it retails at $169 | This soundbar lacks full HDMI |
| It provides powerful bass |
Check out the Polk Audio Signa S2 on Amazon.
Best Dolby Atmos Bar: Polk Audio Signa S4 Ultra-Slim
- Supports Dolby Atmos
- Can be used with HD, 4K, and 8K TVs
- Includes Polk's Voice Adjust
- Fast setup (5 mins)
The Polk Audio Signa S4 Ultra-Slim is the best Dolby Atmos Polk soundbar. It should be your top pick if you want a soundbar that will give you a chest-pumping bass to enhance your audio experience. This is the brand’s first Dolby Atmos soundbar, and when paired with the two upward-firing speakers, a 7-driver array, and a dedicated full-range center channel, it provides users with immersive 3D sound over their heads.
These features are backed with several smart sound modes to enhance the audio for hearing voices, movies, and music, making the soundbar less distracting at night. The modes are great for tailoring the sound to specific situations, allowing you to get the best out of your soundbar. It also has Voice and Bass Adjust technology that lets you customize the bass and voice levels to get clearer dialogues. Thus, the Dolby Atmos support will immerse you in 360 degrees of surround sound, giving you a great movie experience at a reasonable price.
Dolby Atmos support is not the only selling point of this soundbar. The Polk Signa S4 further features a sleek modern design and a wireless Bluetooth subwoofer that eliminates the inconvenience of running cables. Moreover, the soundbar’s front is covered by a cloth that hides much of what is underneath, giving it a clean and neat finish.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| It is Dolby Atmos-certified | It has limited connectivity options |
| It has an additional wireless subwoofer that improves the sound quality | The Polk Signa S4 does not have EQ adjustments |
| Provides powerful bass thanks to the subwoofer | It does not support Wi-Fi |
| It is easy to set up | |
| The soundbar provides great sound quality | |
| It is affordable compared to other soundbars in its category |
Check out the Polk Audio Signa S4 Ultra-Slim on Amazon.
Best For Dialogue Clarity: Polk Audio Signa S3 Ultra-Slim TV
- Voice control enabled with Google Assistant
- Supports HD, 4K, and 8K TVs
- Includes additional wireless subwoofer
- Features Polk's Voice Adjust
The Polk Audio Signa S3 Ultra-Slim TV is the best for dialogue clarity under the Polk soundbars today. It is designed to provide crisp highs and a theater-style rumble ideal for movies and TV shows. Considering what it delivers, this system is a real bargain with a powerful bass and multiple listening modes. The Signa S3’s 2.1 channel driver array, Dolby Digital 5.1 decoding, and a dedicated subwoofer deliver incredible room-filling sound with deep bass, making it ideal for watching movies. In addition, Polk touts the Voice Adjust mode, setting the Signa S3 apart from a massive pool of soundbars in the market. The Voice Adjust mode allows for fine-tuning dialogues to your liking to achieve the ultimate audio experience.
Backing this up is its sleek modern design that enables the soundbar to sit flush on a flat surface or to be mounted on a wall. Note that the package includes wall-mounting spacers and a wall-mounting guide. Also included in the box is a single HDMI ARC port, a digital optical port, and an auxiliary input. Although the sound quality can improve and more ports would be great, the Polk Audio Signa S3 is still a great buy.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| It has the Voice Adjust mode for clearer dialogue | It has limited ports with only HDMI ARC input, USB, and optical ports |
| Provides powerful bass and crisp highs for dialogue clarity | The Polk Signa S3 lacks EQ |
| The soundbar supports Chromecast audio and Google Assistant voice commands | This soundbar does not include surround sound |
Check out the Polk Audio Signa S3 Ultra-Slim TV on Amazon.
Best For Large Rooms: Polk Audio MagniFi Max Home Theater Soundbar
- Supports Dolby Audio's Digital Experience (5.1)
- Compatible with HD, 4K, and 8K TVs
- Includes additional wireless subwoofer
- Features Polk's Voice Adjust
The Polk Audio MagniFi Max Home Theater Soundbar is the best Polk soundbar for large rooms. Its 5.1 sound system provides an immersive surround sound with the brand’s SDA Audio technology. It should be your top pick if you want a soundbar system providing bigger and more dynamic sound without having to deal with numerous cables and a separate amplifier. Additionally, with the help of its Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, this soundbar creates an expansive soundstage that delivers an amazing, room-filling audio experience. In fact, it will feel almost as if you are in a concert or theater.
Unlike many Polk soundbars, the MagniFi Max Home Theater soundbar has several connection options, such as the Auxiliary Analog port, 3 HDMI inputs, 1 HDMI ARC output, and an optical port. Additionally, you can connect the soundbar to other devices using the internet, Bluetooth, and USB.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| This soundbar has several connection options | It has limited ports |
| It is pricier than most Polk soundbars (retailing at $329) | This soundbar lacks EQ |
| Provides a wide soundstage | The soundbar may be too long for some TV setups |
| It is compatible with Google Assistant, making it easy to control the soundbar using voice commands | |
| It delivers immersive sound quality |
Check out the Polk Audio MagniFi Max Home Theater Soundbar on Amazon.
How to Pick the Best Polk Soundbar: Step-By-Step
It is essential to consider a number of factors to come to a decision about the best Polk soundbar for your needs. These factors include:
- Size
- Connections
- Performance
- Price
This section dives into each of these factors in greater detail.
Size
By the general rule of thirds, purchase a soundbar that is roughly the width of your TV to achieve an aesthetic and even look. However, you do not need to overthink it, as you can pair any soundbar with just about any television. If you place your soundbar in a large room, consider getting a larger soundbar, as it produces more powerful sound. Similarly, a compact soundbar like the Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX will suffice if you need a system to provide better sound than what your TV’s in-built speakers offer.
Connections
The type of connections a soundbar has is an essential consideration. How will the sound come from your TV to your soundbar? Most television sets use an optical cable or HDMI ARC to connect to soundbars, so you must get one with the necessary ports. You may also need your soundbar to have more options to connect it to several devices like your gaming console, laptop, smartphone, and Blu-ray player, to mention a few. Plus, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are excellent additions to a soundbar, so consider that before making a purchase decision.
Performance
You should look for a soundbar with high-quality audio output to give that immersive and clear sound. Consider one that has multi-room capabilities and voice controls to enhance sound even in large rooms. Besides, it should blend in with your decor without requiring lots of cables for connecting to different devices.
Price
Polk manufactures relatively affordable soundbars compared to other brands. However, their prices still vary across a range of price points. Therefore, if you do not mind spending a lot of money on a sound system, Polk’s Audio MagniFi Max Home Theater Sound Bar should be on top of your list, as it provides incredible performance and sound quality. However, if you are on a tight budget, consider cheaper options like the Polk Audio React Soundbar that doesn’t compromise on quality despite its price point.
What to Know Before Buying a Polk Soundbar
Before ordering a Polk soundbar, know your needs and what you need the soundbar to do. In fact, we recommend getting a basic Polk soundbar if you just need one to increase your TV’s volume. Similarly, you’ll have to consider other options for powerful performance and an overall immersive listening experience.
Take your time and review Polk’s catalog, comparing different soundbar models in terms of specifications and prices. Further, if your budget can stretch, indulge in the more advanced features of more premium Polk soundbars. Typically though, Polk manufactures quality soundbars, so you will not have to worry about getting a substandard product.
Using a Polk Soundbar: What It’s Like
Polk has built a reputation for powerful, quality soundbars, with models competing with high-end brands like Bose and Sonos. Certainly, when paired with TVs, they provide a sonic experience that surpasses the weak sound produced by a TV’s in-built speakers. They are easy to set up, like most soundbars, and can enhance your audio experience by producing immersive and high-quality sound output. However, remember that the quality of the experience will depend on several factors, as with any audio equipment, such as the acoustics of your room, the specific model you purchase, and your personal preferences, to name a few.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Chikena/Shutterstock.com.
